Feasibility and satisfaction level of caregivers with telemedicine in childhood cancer: A mixed-methods study.

Abstract

1549 Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial solution to addressing health care disparities, especially in countries like India where healthcare disparities are pronounced and specialist care is concentrated in urban areas. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study among caregivers of children with cancer who had utilised telemedicine in the past 6 months. Telephonic quantitative interviews collected information on diagnosis, current treatment status, residence and socio-economic parameters. A logistic regression model was created to assess patient and caregiver related factors associated with satisfaction with telemedicine. In-depths interviews were conducted in a sub-set of participants followed by thematic analysis. Results: Caregiver of 465 patients [median (range) age: 8 (0.1-18) years; 70.04% male; 82.54% with haematological malignancy] participated in this study. Patients had a median (range) of 2 (1-30) telemedicine in the past year, with parents being the most common care giver being involved [n=326 (70.10%)]. Telemedicine was reported to be more convenient than in-person visits and helpful in saving time and money by 90.54% (n=421) patients and 88.6% (n=421) patients reported easier follow up and access to care using telemedicine. Difficulty in explaining issues over telephones or emails was the reason for dissatisfaction for 47.53% (n=221) patients, additionally 22.37% (n=104) patients felt they received inadequate attention during telemedicine. Majority of the patients (85.38%, n=397) planned to continue teleconsultation and 88.39% (n=411) would recommend teleconsultation to others. Socioeconomic status of upper and upper-middle class upper and upper-middle socioeconomic status [OR (95%CI): 2.14 (1.38-3.32), p: <0.001; aOR (95%CI): 2.11 (1.35 - 3.31), p: 0.001] was significantly associated with caregiver satisfaction with telemedicine. Qualitative interview showed themes of monetary and time savings with telemedicine, ease of consultations for minor complaints, delay in responsiveness of doctors, language barriers and difficulty in using telemedicine platforms due to low literacy levels. Conclusions: Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for paediatric cancer care offering convenience and accessibility. While most caregivers expressed satisfaction, challenges remain in communication and limited access among caregiver of lower socio-economic strata. Further studies should aim at developing more patient friendly telemedicine platforms.